​Happy National Cereal Day -- established in 1853 by Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request). Dickinson LOVED cereal, and prior to establishing a day to celebrate the breakfast staple, he invented an oat cereal called "Cheeri-Odes" -- which he touted as "pure poetry in a bowl." He also invented a rice cereal called "Rice Onomatopoeias -- they Snap, Crackle, & Pop!." Later they became known as "Rice Krispies."

Dickinson LOVED cereal, and he wrote about his passion for bowls of breakfast oats in his now classic poem, "My spirit rose to such a height" (below on the left). His poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "Her spirit rose to such a height" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

My spirit rose to such a heightWhen at the counter top I ateLike one that fed on awe.With purpose I attack the dawnIn front of me a cereal bowlThat effervesces me.

By Emily Dickinson:

Her spirit rose to such a heightHer countenance it did inflateLike one that fed on awe.More prudent to assault the dawnThan merit the ethereal scornThat effervesced from her.